Rivers & Waters

The Cache la Poudre is the crown jewel of Northern Colorado fly fishing. Designated as Colorado's only Wild and Scenic River, the Poudre River cuts through a stunning granite canyon west of Fort Collins offering over 75 miles of fishable water. From the wild backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park down through the canyon to the agricultural plains, the Poudre River offers everything from technical tailwater fishing to freestone pocket water.

The Big Thompson River flows east out of Estes Park through a spectacular canyon before reaching the plains near Loveland. Known for technical dry-fly fishing and spooky, well-educated trout, the Big Thompson rewards patient, precise anglers. The river's Gold Medal section through the canyon is one of Colorado's most productive—and challenging—stretches of water.

The North Platte below Northgate Canyon in Jackson County is one of Colorado's best-kept fly fishing secrets. Fed by consistent releases from Northgate Canyon, this tailwater section offers excellent year-round fishing for large brown and rainbow trout. The wide, braided channels and sage-covered banks give it a distinctly western feel unlike anything else in Northern Colorado.

Horsetooth Reservoir sits in the foothills just west of Fort Collins and offers a completely different fly fishing experience from the region's rivers. The 1,900-acre reservoir holds trophy-sized trout, largemouth bass, wipers, and walleye. Boat and float tube fishing with streamers and woolly buggers can produce explosive strikes from large fish.